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Senior Software Developer Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Engineer II

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$115K - $152K/yr

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER II Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence ...

New

Sr. Software Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$229K - $280K/yr

What are the primary responsibilities in the Sr. Software Engineer position? * Responsible for overseeing the expanded development of an existing C++, Python, and Next.js React program with new ...

Senior Software Engineer II

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$115K - $152K/yr

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER II Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence ...

New

Sr. Software Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$190K - $260K/yr

What are the primary responsibilities in the Sr. Software Engineer position? Core responsibilities ... US CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED Preferred background: * DevOps and Cloud computing Experience (Gitlab, CI ...

Sr. Software Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$222K - $242K/yr

What are the primary responsibilities in the Sr. Software Engineer position? * Responsible for the ... Expert level C and/or C++ developer * Expert in software design principles including industry best ...

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Senior Software Developer information

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How much do senior software developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior software developer in Tucson, AZ is $59.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50.53 and $66.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior software developer?

Senior Software Developers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and maintain complex software applications. They often lead development teams, mentor junior developers, and make critical architectural decisions. Their responsibilities include writing high-quality code, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring that software projects meet performance and security standards. With deep expertise in programming languages and software engineering principles, they play a key role in delivering successful technology solutions for organizations.

What does a senior software developer do?

As a Senior Software Developer, you’ll typically be responsible for leading complex development projects, designing technical solutions, and mentoring junior team members. Daily tasks often include writing and reviewing code, participating in architecture discussions, collaborating with cross-functional teams (such as QA, product management, and DevOps), and troubleshooting high-level technical issues. You may also be involved in setting coding standards, conducting code reviews, and helping to plan sprints or project roadmaps.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a senior software developer?

To thrive as a Senior Software Developer, you need deep expertise in programming languages, software architecture, and problem-solving, typically backed by a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Proficiency with development frameworks, version control systems like Git, and cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure is standard, and certifications in these areas can be beneficial. Leadership, strong communication, and mentoring abilities set standout candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure that complex projects are delivered efficiently, code quality is maintained, and junior team members are effectively guided for overall team success.

What is the difference between Senior Software Developer vs Software Engineer?

AspectSenior Software DeveloperSoftware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in CS or related field; experience often 5+ yearsBachelor's or higher in CS or related field; similar experience levels
Work EnvironmentCollaborates on complex projects, mentors juniors, leads technical effortsDesigns, develops, tests software; may work on specific modules or systems
Industry UsageCommonly used in tech companies, startups, and enterprise firmsWidely used across industries, often interchangeable with developer roles

The main difference is that Senior Software Developers typically have more experience, leadership responsibilities, and focus on complex project oversight, while Software Engineers may focus more on designing and implementing software solutions. Both roles require similar credentials and are integral in software development teams, but Senior Software Developers often take on mentorship and strategic tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Developer jobs in Tucson, AZ?

The most popular types of Software Developer jobs in Tucson, AZ are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Software Developer jobs in Tucson, AZ look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Software Developer jobs in Tucson, AZ are:

What cities near Tucson, AZ are hiring for Senior Software Developer jobs?

Cities near Tucson, AZ with the most Senior Software Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Software Developer job openings in Tucson, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,838 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer II

Rocket Lab Corporation

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$115K - $152K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Rocket Lab rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SPACE SYSTEMS                                   

Rocket Lab's Space Systems division builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios.

The Space Systems division has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. We have built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help get to space - our Space Systems division is empowering the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER II

Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Rocket Lab Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.

As a Senior Software Engineer II for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ, you will design flight software in support of spacecraft for Tranche 3 of the U.S. Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

  • Play a key role supporting the development of payload flight software for our Space Systems programs
  • Focus on deployment of novel algorithms into austere environments on Size/Weight/Power constrained sensor systems
  • Participate in all aspects of software design and development starting with requirements generation and following through implementation, testing, deployment
  • Drive core software fundamentals of performance-oriented programming leveraging a variety of accelerator technologies
  • Be part of a team of driven pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER II:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering,
  • 8+ years of experience in embedded software engineering experience
  • Experience in designing complex multithreaded application
  • Experience designing flight software
  • Ability to obtain and maintain an U.S. Government security clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 

  • Familiarity with high-performance and parallel processing
  • Exposure to novel architectures including FPGA, CUDA, etc.
  • Familiarity with flight software system management
  • Experience with algorithm implementation
  • Exposure to Python and MATLAB is highly desired
  • Familiarity with numerical computing principles

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.


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